Phantasy Star Online 2 'set for early 2013 western release'

ega is preparing to launch Phantasy Star Online 2 across Europe and America in early 2013, according to a press release that appears to have leaked early.

The free-to-play multiplayer RPG will arrive more than ten years since the pioneering Dreamcast original. The Sega press release, which has yet to emerge on official channels, claims that the game will launch in the west on PC.

"Phantasy Star Online was a revolutionary game when it was released, and we want to make sure that its successor in the series is every bit as ambitious," said Chris Olson, vice president of digital at Sega.

"We look forward to introducing Phantasy Star Online 2's unique, easy-to-access multiplayer action to the rest of the world next year."

Satoshi Sakai, the producer of Phantasy Star Online 2 at Sega of Japan, said: "The number one thing we want to provide players in Phantasy Star Online 2 is an adventure that changes every time they log in. Just as great table-top RPG experiences revolve around imaginative and unexpected encounters, we want players to consistently be surprised as they explore dungeons and undertake quests."